Watch: Dunk of the year? DeMar DeRozan rises over Rudy Gobert
Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan gave us a serious early-season highlight on Wednesday night, punishing Utah center and noted, intimidating rim protector Rudy Gobert with a huge dunk in the fourth quarter of a 93–89 Utah victory.
With 4:21 remaining in the game, DeRozan blew past Gordon Hayward and into the paint. Gobert slid over to help, but ... alas. The big Frenchman, perhaps the league’s premier shot-blocker, never really had a chance.
DeRozan’s effort is our early frontrunner for Dunk of the Year. Gobert, a third-year center, is no stranger to challenges at the rim. Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard dunked over Gobert last February. Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins had a dunk similar to DeRozan’s that March. Fortunately for Gobert, the center exacted revenge on Wiggins with a block later in the game.
• DeRozan dunks over Gobert | Brewer sends game to OT | Fournier GW three
You can watch highlights of Utah’s win Wednesday night below:
Gobert had a little fun after the game, tweeting his thoughts on the victory.
DeRozan finished with 14 points on 6-for-15 shooting and six rebounds while Gobert posted seven points, five rebounds and two blocks.
- Jeremy Woo
